paltry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prisoners were allowed to slowly build up the paltry offerings of its libraries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Against Ireland a fortnight ago, England made 16 visits to the opposition 22, but returned with a relatively paltry 21 points.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

“Years of narrow, large cap leadership have forced active investors into mega caps, leaving the average stock out in the cold — it’s 20% underweight, and owned by a paltry 10% of funds on average.”

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

In the lower Colorado River region, which contributes minimal runoff to the river, the snowpack is now a paltry 32% of average for this time of year.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2026

I longed to speak, but could summon only words of paltry thanks and pale affection, so I left them unsaid.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein